• Blackburn v Manchester United

Fergie praise for 'growing' De Gea

ESPN staff
April 2, 2012
Sir Alex Ferguson was thrilled with the display of David De Gea © Getty Images
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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson lavished praise on keeper David De Gea as his side moved five points clear at the top of the table with a 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers.

Late goals from Antonio Valencia, a stunning strike from a tight angle, and Ashley Young, a fine turn and finish, opened up the gap to Manchester City to five points.

That lead could be up to eight by Sunday as United play before City, but Ferguson feels the advantage could have been pegged at two had it not been for De Gea who made a string of excellent saves.

"The progress is obvious for all to see," Ferguson said of a keeper who had been the subject of major criticism earlier in the season. "He's growing in stature and confidence. He made three great first-half saves.

"David kept us in the game. We had a lot of possession, but we just couldn't get that goal with the way Blackburn defended deep."

The destiny of the title is in United's hands but Ferguson is not getting carried away following a seventh league success on the spin.

"We've still got seven games left. In my experience of these situations, it doesn't matter what the points are at the moment," Ferguson told Sky Sports 1. "It matters about next Sunday's game."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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